Riverina Field Days is a hit

DESPITE the drizzly weather, the eighth Riverina Field Days has been hailed a huge success.

Held across Friday and Saturday at the Griffith Showgrounds, organisers said while the weather was against them, the majority of the exhibitors and the public alike thoroughly enjoyed the event.

"Friday's gate takings were the best for four years but the inclement weather on the Saturday obviously turned a few away, but then we picked up farmers who would not have come had the weather been fine," said organiser Ffiona Beverley.

"Overall, Saturday's gate takings were only down $300 on 2013.

"Exhibitor numbers were approximately the same as last year and there were 62 first timers, many of whom have already booked for 2015."

Millions of dollars of machinery, agricultural and rural products were on display in the centre of the main arena with the smaller exhibitors taking up sites on the inside perimeter from the southern end around to the northern end.

"The exhibitors should be congratulated on the time and effort put into their displays I've received many comments from members of the public," Mrs Beverley said.

The lucky gate prize provided by Solar Mad & Power Partners of a fully installed solar system valued at $3200 was won by Barry Boots of Yanco, while the cash prizes for second and third place were won by Ruth Isbester of Griffith and Jenna Storier or Yenda The Power Faming Inventors competition attracted seven entries from five individual inventors.

The judges had a difficult decision on their hands as the entries were very inventive.

Finally, it was Derek Barnstable from Echuca who won first prize for his "Hotfoot".

Second prizes was taken out by Griffith inventor Greg McCarten for his "Super Saver" and prolific inventor Barry Bennett from Barooga got third with his "Spray and View Unit".

"Barry has been an entrant in every Inventors Competition for the past eight years in Griffith and for more than 10 years at Yanco," Mrs Beverley said.

"All these men will no doubt come up with something new for 2015."

The 2015 event will be held again across Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, next year.